Kanashi and Jin were once again in the forest clearing right outside Jin's door which at this point looked like a battlefield from how destroyed and mutated the terrain was.
Jin like always was smiling confidently without a single sign of exhaustion while Kanashi panted like a dog, Sweat dripping onto the floor below him making a small puddle.
“How the hell do you never run out of mana?” He asked between gasps for air.
“My mana pool is extremely large and I’m efficient at using it.” Jin shrugged.
“Were you born with a large mana pool or did you get it through training?” Kanashi asked, already knowing the answer.
“Mostly born with it, but training has definitely helped it out quite a bit.”
Oh I didn't expect that last part. “That attack you used back when we were fighting the Witches Crows…”
“[Unseen Colors]?”
“Yeah that one, How many of those could you use before you feel like you're running low?”
“Hmmm, Probably a few hundred, But normally one is enough to take care of whatever I’m dealing with.”
“Who and what have you fought before?”
“Well plenty of people, too many to name but none you’d know. As for Inhumans there's been plenty of local pests I’ve had my share of dealing with but those were in my early days when I didn't care about the Missions rank or pay out I just went and did it. I guess the most impressive thing even though I technically didn’t do it myself was slaying a dragon.”
“Wow, why'd you go and do that?!” Kanashi asked angrily. Dragons were damn near extinct after all, it’s unknown how many there were left in the world but probably enough to count on one hand.
“Wow, calm down! Like I said it wasn't really me who did it and besides it was causing havoc so it was my job to take care of it.”
“You keep saying it wasn't you while also talking as if it was so what gives!?”
“Well It’s a bit of a touchy subject…” Jin muttered, rubbing his head nervously.
For the first time Kanashi saw Jin feel genuinely uncomfortable and it made him feel a great sense of unease.
“You see I’m Jinen Lutece but not really, the Lutece family dates back over 1,200 years but it really got put on the map officially when [Leonard Lutece] was born. He was one of the strongest people at the time because of his genetics but he also had something else that made him special, a blessing, [Reincarnation], which you see…. It reincarnates his soul into his first born Grandson every time they are born. He loses his memories and personality but keeps his overall strength and any Blessings he had.”
“Wait, you said people can only have one Blessing earlier but you also have multiple so now I’m interested in finally hearing about how you got them.”
“I can’t tell you how but it is possible. It’s considered extremely taboo in modern times and also [Forbidden Knowledge] by El-Saber.”
“Pft, didn't know Mr. Lutece was such a rule follower.” Kanashi whistled rolling his eyes.
“Hey! this isn't easy for me to talk about in general so be happy I’m saying anything at all! But anyways Leonard kept reincarnating and collecting more and more blessings every time and well I’m his 13th incarnation.”
“Wait what!?” Kanashi yelled out confused.
“Well, I’m technically still incomplete as my father and mother would say, Leonard's 2nd incarnation upon learning his ability decided that he’d become the strongest being to ever live and the final goal was to reincarnate as a Holy.”
“What El-Saber is?”
“Yeah, but the estimated 13th incarnation was born and I’m still a human, a mighty fine one at that.” Jin finished flexing his arm, obviously still uncomfortable.
“Well I don't think it really matters if you’re a Holy or not anyways does it? I mean you’re the strongest thing to ever live still!” Kanashi boasted as if talking about himself.
“No, There's one other person said to be equal in power to me and one stronger than both of us. The pirate lord Osorei and the Dark Lord Murlock, but I think I’d still kick their ass.” Jin said with a confident laugh and smile.
“Yeah, totally!” Kanashi said laughing in return. Osorei? Pirate Lord? The age of piracy was about during the time of the forgotten war when technology hit a big stagnation and people needed to find another way to make money… I feel like I’ve heard that name before though.
“So how about another round?” Jin asked with a smile.
“Sure!” Kanashi replied with a thumbs up. Still 26 generations… that’s a long time to be alive.
# # #
“Ready?” Jin asked, pointing at Kanashi.
“Yeah!” Kanashi yelled out with a nod and looked at Hayai.
“Yup!” Hayai agreed.
“Then go!” Jin called out as loud as he could, his Echo vibrating throughout the forest.
In a flash Hayai appeared above Kanashi pulling his hands back as if catching a ball thrown in the air, [Thunder Grenade!] Hayai thrust his hands forward and a basketball sized ball of electricity shot down at Kanashi who conjured Itachi and focused in on the projectile.
[Blast!] Kanashi swung Itachi through the air, a blast of mana shot from the blade severing the ball of electricity in half.
“Gotcha!” Hayai said with a smirk as the ball exploded into a multitude of lightning strikes which shot down at Kanashi.
You can do that!? Kanashi wondered as one of the lighting bolts shocked him. he grit his teeth and clenched his muscles uncontrollably.
[Thunder Armor: StormBreaker] Hayai put his hands together and from his palm he pulled out a knife with a bolt shaped blade, He dropped down to the ground and pointed it at Kanashis neck. “I win.” He said, sticking his tongue out playfully.
“Not yet.” Kanashi replied, looking down at Hayai as smoke came from his mouth.
“?!” Hayai looked down in shock to see a massive frog's mouth open up right under his feet which then swallowed him whole.
Kanashi jumped back wiping the sweat from his forehead and deconjuring Itachi, I didn’t think you were able to set up multiple spells inside a single attack but I guess if you can imagine it you can do it. He thought as large bolts of electricity shot from the ground into the sky and Hayai exploded up into the air.
“I’m all covered in mud now!” Hayai yelled his white hair now a nice dirt brown.
“Sorry!” Kanashi apologized raising his hand, [Mana Pistol: Double Barrel!], Kanashi used two fingers to form the barrel of his finger gun and shot out a large blast of mana which Hayai sliced through with his Storm Breaker Knife. Hayai dove down to the ground punching where Kanashi had been standing as Kanashi jumped back narrowly avoiding it.
“Gotcha again!” Hayai laughed while zooming above Kanashi using his true speed, “Bonk!” He called out tapping Kanashi in the chest which had enough force to send Kanashi down in the ground with a dry cough.
“Damnit!” Kanashi groaned looking up at Hayai who was standing above him.
“Not bad, But that makes Zero you and Twelve me.”
“How am I supposed to compete with you!?”
“Hey I’m limiting myself here, I could have fried you to the bone with that first strike of electricity you got.”
“Good! It’s not fair if you did!” Kanashi argued, getting up to his feet and wiping the dirt off his clothes.
“I thought you did pretty good~” Jin said, patting Kanashi on the back. “It reminds me of how me and Hayai used to fight except of course I was always the one winning.”
“Wanna try again?” Hayai asked, annoyed.
“That’d make it two thousand and twelve me and zero you.”
“I’d kick your ass!” Hayai argued, jumping in the air and lunging at Jin.
“!”
“Is that Julius?” Kanashi suddenly asked out loud, pointing off into the distance where a figure stood among the tree line. The man was taller than Kanashi, probably around 5 '11 with long dark brown hair and a white coat which draped down to his shins.
“Huh?” Hayai asked, looking over to where Kanashi was pointing.
“Yeah I called him here.” Jin said, smacking the distracted Hayai on the back of the head. “Kanashi, go tell him to come here.” Jin said as Hayai and him continued to brawl.
“Alright…” Kanashi muttered walking over to Julius as Hayai and Jin fought loudly in the background.
“Looks like that idiot really did teach you magic in six weeks.” Julius said as Kanashi approached him.
“Yeah, I didn't think it was possible either but somehow it all worked out.” Kanashi laughed, extending his hand to shake Julius' hand.
“No thank you.” Julius said, shaking head in disapproval.
Wow, rude! Maybe Vulracious manners are different? Do they kiss each other on the cheek when greeting each other? No, that's Paraus’s thing. “Oh alright… well uh what’re you doing here then?” Kanashi asked.
“Jin called me to ask if I could take you on a mission and teach you how to use a sword.”
“Another mission?” Kanashi asked grimacing, It’d been a few weeks since the Witch Hunt and it was not a positive first experience to put it lightly. “Well I guess it should be fine if I’m with you right?”
“Sorry, But I came here to decline his request.”
“What, how come? We did that bad last time? If so it was his fault not mine.” Kanashi said pointing to Jin behind him who was standing on top of a collapsed Hayai and striking a victory pose.
“No, it has nothing to do with whatever you’ve done previously, in fact I didn't even know you had gone on a mission before.”
“Then why?”
“Because I don't see you as a member of the Venator Society.”
Kanashis face turned sour as he heard those words, his lips drooping down into a frown and brow furrowed. “What’d ya mean by that?”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“I mean that I don't believe you should be a member of the Venator Society.”
“No I get that part but why do you think that?”
“Well-”
“Sorry about that.” Jin interrupted Julius as Hayai laid unconscious in the background. “I already prepared a mission and everything so you don't need to worry about that, Just let me get to my computer and-”
“Sorry Jinen but I must refuse your offer.”
“Huh?” Jin asked, his face turning sour, His lips drooped down and brow furrowed. “How come?”
“Because I dont view Kanashi as a member of the Venator Society.”
“What’d ya mean by that?”
“I mean that I don't believe he should be a member of the Venator Society.”
“No, I get that part by why you think that.”
I don't like this sense of Deja-Vu.. Julius thought with a blank face.
“Well, Let’s go inside and talk about this just in case you happen to change your mind.” Jin said, turning around and using his [Telekinesis] to pull Hayai into his hand from afar. “Let’s go!” He said as Hayai dangled limply from his hand.
# # #
Julius, Kanashi, Jin and the sleeping Hayai all sat facing each other in Jin's conference room which was dimly probably for dramatic effect on Jin's part.
“Alright, so explain to me why you don't think Kanashi is a member of the Venator Society.” Jin said, pointing to Julius.
“Well I don't think the Venator Society should accept somebody with no prior experience or understanding of magic and the related subjects into a high position like Kanashi has been. There's a process that everyone must follow and work their way up into so why should Kanashi be exempt from that?”
“That’s a good point.” Kanashi muttered, He really had cheated his way into a position most people would be desperate to have and some slight guilt crept up in his mind.
“While you’re correct that he hasn't gone through the proper process to become a member he’s worked just as hard if not harder then other applicants would have once becoming an official member. He’s almost at the level of an Apprentice rank right now, that’s something not many people can do in two years let alone six weeks."
“...” Julilus looked down at the table in thought, clearly fighting a battle in his mind.
Let’s go for the killing blow! Jin thought, “And remember what El-Saber said, Kanashi is free to step out at any time if he feels he’s not ready and you’re the best one to train him so he's prepared correctly.”
“...”
“...”
“What’s the mission?” Julius asked in defeat.
“This right here.” Jin said with a smile, sliding a pamphlet of papers to Julius.
“Hey Jin this may be a bad time but uh what’s this rank thing you mentioned.” Kanashi asked in a whisper.
Julius put down the pamphlet and looked at Kanashi then Jin with his brows raised.
“Oh jeez, you’re so forgetful!” Jin laughed with a side eye at Kanashi who began to laugh as well.
“Oh yeah, hahaha! I just need a quick refresher ya know.” Kanashi said as sweat dripped down his face.
“Well if you’ll remember correctly, there’s two different ranking systems, Human classes and Inhuman classes, Monsters, animals and other non-human things are classed as Inhumans. For us humans, the rankings from lowest to highest are Amateur > Apprentice > Master >Sage > Divine Sage.” Somebody like you who knows the basics of magic and can use one or two magic categories is considered an apprentice, Hayai is considered a Master and I’m a Divine Sage.”
“Oh right haha thanks for reminding me.” Kanashis said with a wave and then looked down in thought. So I’m an Amateur right now? Can’t say I’m too happy about the rank title but I guess everyone gets it at some point, I wonder what Julius is then? He seems pretty strong physically but his Aura is rather low… Kanashi looked over to Julius who was scanning through the pamphlet and flipping through the pages quickly. “Hey Julius, what Rank are you?”
“!!!” Jin's eyes shot out of his head and he violently shook his head side to side at Kanashi who shrugged while mouthing “What?”
“I’m an Apprentice rank.”
“Oh wow.” Kanashi said in audible disappointment.
“But like I said before the Ranking is based purely on magic and not physical strength for humans. Sorta like how BMI does not consider muscle mass into its weight. So Julius really is equal in strength to a high level Master!” Jin said, kicking Kanashi under the table.
OW YOU BASTARD, YOU SHITTY TEACHER! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME THIS BEFORE!? Kanashi thought wincing in pain.
“It’s okay Jin, I’m not concerned about my ranking, I know how strong I am and that’s what matters most of all.” Julius sighed, putting the Pamphlet down on the table. “That’s a pretty tough mission, you think he can keep up with me?”
“Of course he can, He’s my student after all.” Jin said with a thumbs up.
“Alright, I’ll accept it. We’ll depart in two days and complete the mission in about four or five.”
“Perfect!” Jin laughed, clapping his hands.
“Tomorrow I’m going to teach you how to use your sword properly.” Julius said, turning to Kanashi.
“Can’t wait.” Kanashi said with a nervous smile.
# # #
“Jeez, what's his problem?” Kanashi asked with a sigh of defeat and leaning back on Jin's fluffy velvet couch.
“He’s super traditional and old school, I’m not a fan of it personally but it works for him.” Jin said as he was sprawled out on the couch next to Kanashi.
“Is he from a rich noble family?”
“He’s a member of the Phoenicia clan, the Vulracious Empires Royal Knights, Well I should say was since there’s only two members left of the Phoenicia clan.”
“What happened to the rest?”
“They were all murdered except for Julius.”
“Who’s the other one then?”
“The man who did it, Bjorn S. Phoenicia.”
“I see why he’s upset then.” Kanashi said with tears forming in the corner of his eyes.
“Yeah…” Jin replied softly, turning away from Kanashi.
“Well what’s this mission anyways?” Kanashi asked, wiping his eyes.
“It’s in Albur to the west of here near the border. There’s some weirdos who’ve taken over the town and need to be arrested, you and Julius should be able to take care of it.”
“I feel like we should be heading out right now!” Kanashi said in surprise.
“They’re not doing anything dangerous, they just set up their crack shack somewhere in town and are acting like idiots. Nobodys gotten hurt yet.”
“Yet?!”
“Yeah, You guys haven't kicked their asses yet.” Jin laughed.
“Oh, Ha ha ha!” Kanashi laughed along with Jin when a knock suddenly came at the door making both of them look at it intensely as a strong aura leaked through.
“I didn't invite anyone else.” Jin said teleporting to the front door and looking out through the peel hole, “I almost don't want to let you in for not calling beforehand.” He muttered with a large frown.
“Hurry up Jin!” A deep voice said on the other side.
“Alright calm down Euguene.” Jin sighed as he opened the front door to a tall man with flaming blood red hair and deep blue eyes. He stood evenly with Jin in height yet seemed heavier with much more muscle mass.
“Sup newbie.” The man said, turning to Kanashi.
“Yo.” Kanashi said with a wave.
“You say hi to him before me?” Jin grumbled rolling his eyes.
“Oh my bad boss.” The man said with an earth shattering laugh.
“Well you’ve always been a bit of a brat like Hayai.” Jin sighed.
Man I didn't think I’d ever meet anyone who could suck the energy out of Jin. Kanashi thought, walking over to the pair.
“Sorry we haven't been able to meet properly yet, Newbie. I’m Harold, But everyone calls me by my middle name Eugene.”
“I’m Kanashi.” Kanashi replied, extending his hand to Shake Eugenes. He noticed a large scar going across Eugene's forehead and over his eye.
“Oh you lookin at this?” Eugene asked after shaking Kanashis hand firmly which actually meant lifting Kanashi up off the ground and throwing him up and down. “Don't worry about it, I don't have any cool war stories to tell about how I got it.”
“Why’d you come over here Eugene?” Jin asked, seemingly back to his normal self and smiling proudly and widely.
“I thought I'd stop by and say hi to your new student, Looks like I’m still number one though.” Eugene laughed.
“You were Jin's student before too?” Kanashi asked, cocking his head to the side. This guy sure likes to laugh…
“Yep, His first and only until you, But that was a long time ago back when he was still green.”
“Are you a Captain like him then?”
“Me? Oh no I wish though. I’m Sector Alphas Vice Captain. But I already do all the work a Captains supposed to do. I just don't get the same pay for it.” Eugene said with another fit of laughter.
“Vice Captain huh? Then I assume you’re a Master Rank?”
“Oh look at you Gyahahaha, Yeah I’m considered a Master Rank but I can’t tell you which kind of magic I use that’s a secret.”
“A secret huh.” Kanashi muttered thinking back on what Jin had taught him.
1. Naming your Spells and making it more personal to you makes it stronger and also can count as a condition and limitation if you can't activate it without saying its name.
1. You can also add the condition you need to explain your magic to the opposite party to make it stronger.
“I thought that was a no-brainer way to make yourself stronger easily but I guess keeping your magic a secret even if you don't get that extra 20% or so boost has its benefits.”
“His magic is poison by the way.” Jin said cutting in with a whisper to Kanashi.
“Hey!” Eugene yelled out trying to slap Jin away but his hand bounced off Jin's newly activated force field.
“Hehe.” Jin giggled dancing around as Eugene tried to hit him with a punch, kick or slap.
Man, This has been an eventful afternoon huh? Kanashi thought smiling as he looked out at the scene in front of him.
“Oh by the way, newbie.” Eugene said, turning to Kanashi.
“Hm?”
“I heard you didn't get to meet some of the other captains yet. Whenever you get a chance try to meet up with them and introduce yourself. This guy here’s a great teacher but seeing how other people do stuff is always a good way to learn more.”
“Pfft, What’s the point if I’m better than all of em?!” Jin asked aiming to slap the back of Eugenes head who ducked down and kicked back aiming for Jin's groin but was stopped by the barrier.
“I’ll make sure to meet them then.”
# # #
“He told me to meet him but where I’m supposed to meet him…” Kanashi sighed looking down at his phone, “Wish I got his number at least…” Kanashi flipped the phone closed and looked up at the Venator tower. He's the captain of the Gamma division right? Hmmm, I wish I asked what the division actually did though, I know that Jin is about the study of magic, Hayai espionage, and Pompeii is biology but man I doubt they have a whole branch dedicated to being a swordsman. Come to think of it, using swords in itself is pretty obsolete and if he doesn't use magic much how the hell is he even strong enough to be a Master rank? At least with Itachi I can emit blasts of mana, But if someone has a gun can’t they just fill him full of holes? What is he gonna block the bullets? Actually, now that I think about it I haven't paid attention to his sword really besides the handle… so maybe it’s cursed like my Itachi?
“You’re deep in thought I can see.” Julius said from behind Kanashi.
“?!” Kanashi spun around and jumped back in surprise, “Wow, You scared the hell out of me!”
“You should always be using observation, you know.” Julius said, raising an eyebrow.
“Well If we were out in the field sure but no one here is going to attack me-”
Kanashi was cut off as he saw Julius become a blur and suddenly a large blade was at his throat.
“What if I wanted to kill you right now?” Julius asked, his brow narrowed.
“I’d already be dead?” Kanashi muttered knowing he’d lost round one.
“Well, I guess you would be correct but that’s not the answer I’m looking for.” Julius said with a sigh and lowering his sword. It was massive, Way too big to be a sword, It was more like a slab of metal on an iron rod. But it emitted pure masculine power and Julius swung it around like it was a feather on a stick.
“Well, What did you want me to say?”
“ I was hoping you’d say something more in common with how if you’d used observation you wouldn't have ended up in the position you're in.”
“Got it, I’ll try to remember that.”
“Well, Since I’ve already drawn my sword, why don't you draw yours and let’s see what you know.”
“Alright.” Kanashi said, flicking his wrist to conjure Itachi.
Jin told me it was a cursed sword but that’s not something I was expecting. Julius thought while bringing his own sword up to cover his body. “What’s the name of your sword?” He asked.
“Well I didn't pick the name but It’s [Itachi].”
“Itachi? A fitting name. The name of my sword is [Gaius], But for this sparring match I’ll be using this.” Julius pulled a wooden sword out of the back of his coat. It was a fine brown and clearly of the highest quality.
“Aren't you at all worried about getting hurt?” Kanashi asked, pointing at Itachi's sharp blade.
“No, I’ll be perfectly fine. Come at as if you wanted to kill me.”
“Alright, If you say so.” Kanashi shrugged, in a flash he jumped forwards and swung Itachi down on Julius' shoulder.
“I thought I said as if you wanted to kill me.” Julius easily smacked Itachi away from his shoulder and slapped Kanashi away with his free hand.
“I don't want to kill you!” Kanashi argued, sliding across the gravel and trying to regain his balance.
“I assure you I won't even have a bruise by the end of this.” Julius said, jumping at Kanashi and swinging the wooden sword at Kanashi's stomach.
[Mudd!] Frogs and Toads came from the ground wrapping their tongues around Julius' arms to stop him.
I saw these before. Julius thought while pulling on the frog's tongues to break free.
I only need a second then! Kanashi thought as he jumped forward bringing a horizontal slash across Julius' stomach.
"I still have these." Julius said kicking Kanash in the wrist and making him lose grip of Itachi which flew into the air. He then easily broke free from the golems' tongues, destroying them in the process.
"I win." Julius said, pointing his wooden sword down at Kanashis throat.
"Not yet." Kanashi said with a smile and pointing downwards.
"?!" Julius looked down to see the eyes of a massive frog made of mud.
[Lunar Eclipse!] Julius brought down his wooden sword on the frog golem and without it even making contact the wind force of the attack alone destroyed the golem. Julius looked over to see Kanashi holding Itachi and filling it with almost all of his Mana
[Blast!] From the tip of Itachi a massive blast of mana was released, it looked like a tidal wave of rippling orange energy.
Julius' eyes widened at the emission, I didn't know about this… he thought. Swinging his wooden sword at the wave of energy. His wooden sword smashed into the blast of mana slicing it in half and destroying it in one motion.
That had most of my mana in it! Kanashi thought as he jumped forwards, Julius immediately swung at Kanashi who parried with Itachi though he swung with the intention of slicing the wooden sword in half instead Julius pushed back against Itachi forcing Kanashi backwards despite his sword being wooden. ?! Is he enhancing the wooden sword? I remember Jin saying something about that before when he looked at Itachi but I didn't think anyone would do it on a wooden sword!
Julius, feeling as though he pushed Itachi far enough, swung his wooden sword back towards Kanashi, smashing him in the liver.
“GAH!” Kanashi wheezed falling to the floor feeling his body throb in pain. Shit I didn't think I’d win but I thought I’d do better than this against someone not even using magic!
“I win.” Julius said, pointing down with one hand and at Kanashi's throat with the wooden sword in his other.
“You do.” Kanashi sighed trying not to yelp from the pain.
“Can’t you use healing magic?” Julius asked, confused.
“No, Jin didn't teach me.”
Ugh Julius thought rubbing his forehead. Well he did hold me off decently but his actual swordsmanship is severely lacking. If he fought anyone without enough experience and with the intent to kill him he’d be dead right now… If I turn him away now will he avoid that fate or will I be sending him towards it? He thought before lowering his hand and looking at Kanashi. “Let's go again.” He said with a sigh.
“Okay!” Kanashi said happily, “Well after this stops hurting right?” He asked while pointing to his liver.